Intro

The sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso in Orselina above Locarno is the most famous place of pilgrimage in the Italian part of Switzerland. It is rooted in the ancient tradition of votive gifts.

Most striking of all Locarno's sights is the Franciscan Santuario della Madonna del Sasso church, an impressive ochre vision floating above the town on a wooded crag (sasso means rock) and consecrated in 1487 on the spot where, seven years earlier, the Virgin had appeared to Brother Bartholomeo da Ivrea from the San Francesco monastery in the town.

The twenty-minute walk up through the lush ravine of the Torrente Ramogno and past a handful of decaying shrines, is atmospheric enough in itself; or you could take the half-hourly funicular from just west of the station to Ticino's greatest photo-op, looking down through the palms to the sunlit arcaded main front of the church and glittering blue lake behind.

General information

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Time required
2 to 4 hours (half day)
Suitable for children with age
6 to 9 years, 10 to 13 years, 14+ years
Weather
Indoor
Category
Education, Relax

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Overview

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Overview
Locarno
Ticino
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Travel information: Locarno

Current Offers

  • Locarno Fat Boy E-Scooter Tour to Locarno and Ascona from Tenero

    The guided tour takes you from Tenero to Locarno along Lake Maggiore. The tour continues to the Lido... from CHF 85
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    valid: 09.07.2025 - 15.10.2025

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  • Locarno Boat trip Brissago Islands - Ticket from Locarno

    Discover Lake Maggiore between Locarno and the Brissago Islands with this route ticket. from CHF 37.60
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    valid: 09.07.2025 - 19.10.2025

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  • Locarno Boat Ticket from Locarno to Brissago Harbour

    Discover Lake Maggiore between Locarno and Brissago with this round-trip ticket. With the return... from CHF 19.80
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    valid: 09.07.2025 - 19.10.2025

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  • Locarno "The Sasso Society" Outdoor Escape Game Locarno

    This escape game takes you and your team through the heart of Locarno. The challenges become... from CHF 12.80
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    valid: 09.07.2025 - 03.07.2026

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  • Locarno Skip the Line: Falconeria Locarno Ticket

    Take a break from bustling Locarno and get up close to nature with a trip to Locarno’s Falconry. See... from CHF 28
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  • Locarno Fat Boy E-Scooter Tour Locarno and Maggia Valley from Tenero

    The guided tour will take you from Tenero to Locarno along Lake Maggiore. The tour continues to the... from CHF 120
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    valid: 09.07.2025 - 15.10.2025

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  • Locarno Explore Locarno in 60 minutes with a Local

    Join an exciting 60-minute walking journey through Locarno. Learn all the key facts about the city,... from CHF 78
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  • Locarno Sato Code Escape Room across Locarno

    This is an escape game through the heart of Locarno. A dozen clues placed in the streets and shops... from CHF 12
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  • Muralto Centovalli train ticket between Domodossola and Locarno

    With this ticket you travel on the Centovalli Railway. It runs between Domodossola and Locarno and... from CHF 47
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    valid: 09.07.2025 - 30.12.2025

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  • Losone-Arcegno Lake Maggiore rally, 6 days, Albergo 4*

    Included: Overnight stays as listed incl. breakfast Rail travel allowance Locarno - Melide, Lugano -... from CHF 999
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    valid: 09.07.2025 - 12.10.2025

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